SAP Purchase requisition
A Purchase Requisition (PR) is the internal request to procure materials or services, the first step of procurement, before a formal purchase order is raised. It captures the need and, often, routes it for approval.
A purchase requisition is the internal SAP document that states what is needed, how much and when, before any vendor is chosen. It is created by hand or automatically by MRP, carries an account assignment for consumables, passes a release strategy for approval, and is then converted into a purchase order. It is where demand enters procurement.
- Watch out: Bypassing PRs and ordering without a request.
What a PR is
A PR is an internal document stating what is needed, how much, and when, without yet committing to a vendor. It can be created manually or automatically (e.g. by MRP for materials that need replenishing). Once approved, it is converted into a purchase order.
Key aspects
- Manual vs automatic creation (MRP, reorder point).
- Account assignment: for consumables (cost center, order, project).
- Release strategy: approval workflow before it can be ordered.
- Conversion to PO.
Why it matters
The PR is where demand enters procurement and where approval controls first apply. Automatic PRs from MRP connect planning to purchasing, and release strategies enforce that spend is authorised before an order is placed. Clean PR practices keep procurement controlled and traceable.
Common pitfalls
- Bypassing PRs and ordering without a request.
- Missing account assignment for consumables.
- No release strategy, uncontrolled requisitioning.